2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid

With hybrids still nabbing most of the fuel-efficiency headlines in the U.S., even the most committed members of the oil-burning diesel cabal are resorting to the battery-electric solution to sell greater fuel efficiency to the American public. Witness Mercedes-Benz, longtime diesel devotee, and its 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid unveiled at the New York auto show.

Beneath the ML450’s unique hood rests a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6 producing 275 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Supplemented by a pair of electric motors and a 2.4-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, the powertrain manages a maximum of 335 hp and 381 lb-ft.

The ML450 hybrid will send power to all four wheels through the two-mode hybrid transmission developed in cooperation with General Motors, Chrysler, and BMW—and found under the hoods of the Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade hybrids, the late Durango/Aspen hybrid, and upcoming X6 hybrid. The magic of the transmission is its ability to function as either a conventional fixed-gear automatic or a CVT, as both offer fuel-economy benefits in different driving conditions. Mercedes claims fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway, its own ML320 BlueTec diesel by 3 mpg in the city while matching it on the highway.

Because even greenies get pissed sometimes, the ML450 includes a launch-control function that M-B says will sling the hybrid ute to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15.8. On the opposite—and likely much more frequently visited—end of the spectrum is a traffic-jam mode that allows the ML450 to move under electric-only power even on a low battery charge.

The arrival of the ML450 hybrid brings to two the number of M-classes available for those who wish to save the world—or at least a little bit of fuel. Those preferring hybrid to diesel tech will be able to get their mitts on an ML450 in December. Mercedes won’t yet disclose exact pricing, but expect to pay around $50,000 for the hybrid.